Ozarks Trips Up John Brown Tennis

The ladies fell just short of its first win of the season, dropping a 5-4 contest. The men lost by a wider margin, 9-0.

In doubles action, the tandem of sophomore Kellie Mowrer and freshman Katie Bellinger grabbed an 8-5 win at the third spot, marking the duo's first doubles victory. In the second slot, junior Tiffany Prieb and freshman Krizana Saucedo fell in a close contest, 9-8.

On the singles side, both teams split the six matchups as Prieb continued her strong play, winning the No. 1 spot in convincing fashion, (6-4, 6-0). Junior Leah Engstrom notched a victory at the third slot, downing Ozarks' Tara Richards, (6-2, 6-0). Finally Saucedo wrapped up JBU's fourth point, posting an 8-6 victory in the fifth slot in pro set fashion.

"I knew we could hang tough with Ozarks, and we did," said head coach Paul Pautsch. "We have to figre out how to play better when the big points present themselves. Leah, Tiffany and Krizana all played great singles matches, holding us in there.

"We fell just short in our doubles chances. We will improve our doubles play."

The men did not fare so well in its matchup with the Eagles. Senior Cameron McLendon and sophomore Luke Pascoe posted the best outing for the Golden Eagles, dropping an 8-4 score at the third doubles spot. Freshman Brandon Laney turned in a gutsy effort, falling in the No. 3 singles slot (6-0, 6-4), the closest any John Brown player would come to notching a point in the losing effort.

"The men played hard, but Ozarks is a solid squad," added Pautsch on the play of his men. "We played two of the better collegiate teams in the state this weekend. We will use this as a learning experience and continue to work hard in practice."

Both squads move to 0-3 on the young season and will refocus their attention to the court on Thursday, Feb. 28, as NCAA II Harding (Ark.) visits Siloam Springs for its second matchup this season with the Golden Eagles.